Rockdale Musical Society Turns 80 With THE WIZARD OF OZ

Rockdale Musical Society is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and kicking of a special season of festivities and shows the society is presenting the magical musical THE WIZARD OF OZ.

This production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic developed from the ever-popular MGM movie of the same name, "which ironically was released the same year as Rockdale Musical Society was formed" says RMS President Fran Appleyard "This was one of the deciding facts for putting this show on".

The stage version of the show contains the beloved Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg songs from the Oscar -winning movie score, along with all the favorite characters and iconic moments that make The Wizard of Oz a favorite for the young and young at heart.

Portraying the iconic role of Dorothy, made famous by Judy Garland, is 16 year old Georgia Herbert, A year 12 student of Wollongong High School Of The Performing Arts. Although Georgia has been involved with musical theatre for some time this is her first lead role. She is enjoying the challenge and says, "Playing Dorothy is very rewarding, I'm enjoying every minute of it."

Rockdale Musical Society veteran Paul Miller will star as Professor Marvel/The Wizard, last seen in RMS production of The Little Mermaid, Wizard Of Oz director Carina Herbert says , "Paul is everything you'd expect the Wizard to be, he's the perfect person for this role."

The role of the Wicked Witch of the West will be played by Nicole Butler who was last seen on the Rockdale Town Hall stage as Aerial in RMS's The Little Mermaid.

Also starring in the production is Dan Schneider as Lion, Brad Gavin as Tin Man, Tim Wotherspoon as Scarecrow and Laura Garrick as Glinda. Toto will be played by a real dog not unfamiliar to the stage, Bruiser, has been seen in shows such as Legally Blonde and Little Shop Of Horrors.

Being the first show in the Society's 80th year no expense has been spared to make this a memorable production, using technology that will bring the show into the standard of the staging up to that of what you'd expect to see in a professional show in the city. "We are

going all out, keeping the show looking and feeling like the show everyone knows, but moving ahead with flying sets and special effects on a scale we have only ever dabbled in before" says the shows Director.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.

The Wizard Of Oz opens at the Rockdale Town Hall from March 8th for 10 performances only. The show is being directed by Carina Herbert with Musical Direction by David Lang and Choreography by Donna Brotherson.

Tickets can be booked by visiting www.rockdalemusicalsociety.com or calling the box office on 0423566393.

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